Tony Cook, 'Back to Reality' (Stones Throw)

Hired as James Brown's drummer right out of high school, Tony Cook also backed Etta James and others in the '70s and '80s; meanwhile, he recorded his own material for seven-inch singles -- "On the Floor" has even been called the first house record. Compiled by Stones Throw's Peanut Butter Wolf, this set features singles, club mixes, and unreleased tracks, including the George Clinton-esque electro of "On the Floor," plus mid-'80s synth-dance tracks that recall Prince and DeBarge.